New Yttrotungstite‑(Nd) Discovered at Rwanda’s Nyakabingo Mine

In 2026, scientists Frédéric Hatert, Simon Philippo, Pietro Vignola, and Maël Guennou reported the discovery of a new mineral species—Yttrotungstite-(Nd)—in the oxidised layers of the Nyakabingo tungsten deposit close to Kigali, Rwanda. The study appeared in volume 38 of the European Journal of Mineralogy (pages 373–382). ¹

The newly described mineral belongs to the yttrotungstite group based on electron microprobe analyses and structural data that confirm its crystallography and chemistry. ¹

Crystals of Yttrotungstite-(Nd) are tiny yellow‑orange tabular grains with a maximum length of about 100 µm. They often form radiated groups and display a dominant crystal face {010}. In some specimens twinning has been observed parallel to the (001) plane. ¹

These observations were made within the oxidised zones of the Nyakabingo mine, an area where tungsten ore undergoes secondary alteration processes. The identification of such small, well‑defined crystals suggests that the mineral forms under specific temperature and pressure conditions during oxidation. ¹

The research team used advanced analytical techniques—including electron microprobe analysis—to determine elemental composition and crystal structure. Their findings illustrate how detailed field sampling combined with laboratory characterization can reveal previously unrecognised minerals even in well‑studied deposits. ¹

In summary, the 2026 publication by Hatert et al. documents a new mineral species—Yttrotungstite-(Nd)—found in Rwanda’s Nyakabingo mine. The tiny yellow‑orange tabular crystals exhibit characteristic twinning and dominate on {010} faces, confirming their placement within the yttrotungite family. This finding underscores that even in mature mining areas, careful sampling and modern analytical methods can uncover fresh mineralogical insights. ¹